Felony Defense in Denton County
Local court, prosecutor and program details for Denton County, from our office in downtown Dallas.
In short: Denton County felonies are heard in twelve district courts at the Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney St., after booking at the county jail on N. Woodrow Ln. The DA's Pre-Trial Diversion program can include low-level felonies for true first offenders, and the county runs drug, mental health, DWI and veterans courts.
This page covers felony cases in Denton County: where they are heard, who prosecutes them and the local programs the county and its prosecutors run. Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street; we handle cases in the Denton County courts. For Texas-wide law, see our felony charges guide, and for other charges see the Denton County criminal defense page.
Which courts hear felony cases in Denton County?
Denton County felonies are heard in the district courts housed in the Denton County Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton: the 16th, 158th, 211th, 362nd, 367th, 393rd, 431st, 442nd, 462nd, 467th, 477th and 481st District Courts. Your court number is on your bond paperwork and in the county's records.
Who prosecutes felonies in Denton County?
The Denton County Criminal District Attorney's Office prosecutes felonies from the Courts Building. Most felony cases need a grand jury indictment, and the period before indictment is when mitigating information and early diversion requests can do the most good.
What happens after a felony arrest in Denton County?
After a felony arrest, booking is at the Denton County Jail, 127 N. Woodrow Ln., Denton. A magistrate gives the warnings and sets bond under the factors in article 17.15. Felony bonds may include reporting, testing and travel conditions supervised through the county.
What diversion and specialty programs does Denton County have?
The Denton County Criminal District Attorney's Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD) program is for low-risk, true first offenders: a person cannot have had PTD, deferred adjudication or any other adult disposition before. The DA screens cases, and an approved person signs a contract with the office, which takes the case off the court's docket. Completion leads to dismissal and eligibility for expunction; a violation sends the case back to court. The DA lists theft, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, evading arrest and marijuana possession as typical PTD cases, including low-level felonies. For cases that do not qualify, Denton County lists several specialized treatment courts: a Drug Court for high-risk felony offenders, a Mental Health Treatment Court that can end in dismissal and possible expunction, a DWI Treatment Court for repeat DWI offenders, and a Veterans Treatment Court. Each has its own screening and its own commitments.
How does a felony move through a Texas court?
After arrest, a person must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.17). The magistrate gives the legal warnings and sets bond using the factors in article 17.15. A felony case then generally needs a grand jury indictment before it goes forward in a district court. Texas felonies run from state jail felonies to first-degree and capital felonies, and the punishment range depends on the level and any prior convictions.
Many felony cases end with community supervision (probation) under Code of Criminal Procedure chapter 42A, either as regular probation after a conviction or as deferred adjudication, which can avoid a conviction if completed. Whether a program, a reduction or a trial is the better path depends on the evidence, which is why early review of the police reports, video and lab results matters.
What are the Texas felony punishment ranges?
| Level | Prison range | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| First degree | 5 to 99 years or life | $10,000 |
| Second degree | 2 to 20 years | $10,000 |
| Third degree | 2 to 10 years | $10,000 |
| State jail felony | 180 days to 2 years in a state jail | $10,000 |
What should I do now?
- Note your court number and every setting, and keep your bond paperwork.
- Do not discuss the facts with anyone except your lawyer, including on jail phones, which are recorded.
- Collect records that show who you are: work, school, treatment and family responsibilities.
- Ask early about diversion deadlines, since some run from the first appearance or indictment.
How do I get started?
The first consultation is free. It is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
Where are Denton County felony cases heard?
In the district courts at the Denton County Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton.
Does Denton County have felony diversion?
The DA's Pre-Trial Diversion program can include low-level felonies for true first offenders. Completion leads to dismissal and eligibility for expunction.
What treatment courts does Denton County run?
A Drug Court, a Mental Health Treatment Court, a DWI Treatment Court and a Veterans Treatment Court, among others.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. The first consultation is free and is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney.
Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.